Operations / Facilities Manager

IWFM; Hemel Hempstead; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

IWFM in Hemel Hempstead seeks an experienced Operations/Facilities/Estates professional to lead day-to-day site operations within a school environment, across historic and modern buildings.

The role oversees maintenance, estates, grounds, cleaning, catering, health and safety, contractors and suppliers, reporting to senior leadership and working with Harrow School group functions. Strong budget management is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in operations, facilities, estates or site management.
• Experience managing operational teams.
• Strong understanding of health and safety, maintenance, catering and estates operations.
• Budget management experience.
• School experience desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operational running of the school site.
• Oversee maintenance, estates, grounds, cleaning, catering, health and safety, contractors, and suppliers.
• Work closely with the Headmaster and Senior Leadership Team.
• Liaise with central group functions including IT, HR, Finance, and estates support.
• Manage budgets and work with accounts function where required.
• Support operational standards across a varied school estate, including historic and newer buildings.

Skills

Operations management

Facilities management

Estate management

Site management

Budget management

Contractor management

Health and safety

Leadership

Communication skills

Job description

Facilities Manager

Hemel Hempstead

45,000 + Pension + 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays + Free Lunches + Free Parking

Are you an experienced Operations, Facilities, Estates, or Site Management professional looking for a varied leadership role within a school environment?

Do you want to take ownership of the day-to-day operations of a close-knit independent school while working closely with senior leadership and wider group support functions?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small independent prep and pre-prep school with a long-standing history, a supportive community feel, and strong links with Harrow School. The school has around 130 pupils and approximately 60 staff, with ambitions to grow pupil numbers while maintaining its personal and community-focused environment.

As Operations / Facilities Manager, you'll take responsibility for the operational running of the school site, including maintenance, estates, grounds, cleaning, catering, health and safety, contractors, suppliers, and budget management. You'll report into the Headmaster and Senior Leadership Team, while also working alongside central Harrow School Group functions including IT, HR, Finance, and estates support.

The ideal candidate will have strong operations, facilities, estates, or site management experience. You'll be confident managing operational teams, overseeing contractors and suppliers, supporting budgets, and ensuring high standards across maintenance, cleaning, catering, estates, and health and safety. School experience would be desirable, particularly around compliance and ISI requirements, but candidates from hospitality, hotels, facilities, estates, or similar operational environments will also be considered.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on and proactive Operations / Facilities professional to join a unique school setting, work across historic and modern buildings, and play a key role in supporting the smooth running and future development of the school.

The role:

• Manage the day-to-day operational running of the school site.
• Oversee maintenance, estates, grounds, cleaning, catering, health and safety, contractors, and suppliers.
• Work closely with the Headmaster and Senior Leadership Team.
• Liaise with central group functions including IT, HR, Finance, and estates support.
• Manage budgets and work with the accounts function where required.
• Support operational standards across a varied school estate, including historic and newer buildings.

The person:

• Experience within operations, facilities, estates, site management, maintenance, or a similar background.
• Experience managing operational teams.
• Strong understanding of health and safety, maintenance, cleaning, catering, and estates operations.
• Confident managing contractors, suppliers, and external service providers.
• Budget management experience.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Comfortable working with senior leadership.
• School experience desirable but not essential.

We are an equal opportunities company and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.